Caprese Stuffed Chicken

There’s something irresistibly satisfying about a meal that brings together fresh flavors, a juicy bite, and a hint of indulgence—all while still being easy to make. Caprese Stuffed Chicken ticks all of those boxes! Combining the fresh, vibrant elements of a classic Caprese salad—ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil—with juicy, tender chicken breasts creates a dish that’s both wholesome and absolutely delicious.

Whether you’re making a family dinner or hosting friends, this dish feels fancy without requiring a ton of effort. Plus, it’s a great low-carb, high-protein option, which makes it perfect for anyone watching their macros or simply looking for a balanced meal. This recipe delivers a flavorful, juicy chicken stuffed with ooey-gooey mozzarella, basil, and sun-kissed tomatoes, all drizzled with a balsamic glaze for a tangy finish. The combination of fresh ingredients and tender chicken will have everyone asking for seconds!

What I love most about Caprese Stuffed Chicken is that it’s versatile. You can serve it as the centerpiece of a meal alongside a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or even pasta. It’s also easy to prep in advance, making it a great option for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Caprese Stuffed Chicken Recipe

1. Bursting with Flavor: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil are packed inside the chicken, bringing all the classic Caprese salad flavors into every bite.
2. Easy to Make: Despite looking fancy, this recipe is simple to prepare and cooks quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
3. Healthy and Wholesome: With lean chicken and fresh ingredients, this dish is low-carb, high-protein, and naturally gluten-free.
4. Great for Entertaining: It’s an impressive dish that’s elegant enough for company but easy enough for everyday meals.
5. Customizable: You can add a variety of herbs or change up the cheese to suit your taste, making this dish versatile for different preferences.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 25-30 minutes
• Total time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast per person

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 430 kcal
• Carbs: 8g
• Protein: 48g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 5g

(These values are approximate and will vary depending on the exact ingredients used and portion sizes.)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Caprese Stuffed Chicken:

For the Chicken:

• 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella, sliced or shredded
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped (or fresh tomatoes, sliced)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or whole
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Toothpicks, for securing the chicken

For the Balsamic Glaze:

• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 teaspoons honey (or brown sugar)

Optional Add-Ins and Variations:

• 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, chopped (for extra flavor)
• Fresh spinach or arugula (to stuff along with the mozzarella)
• Shredded Parmesan cheese (for extra cheesiness)
• Crushed red pepper flakes (for a bit of heat)
• Fresh thyme or oregano, for additional herbs
• Panko breadcrumbs (for a crispy exterior)

For Serving:

• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Extra balsamic glaze, for drizzling
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Side salad, roasted vegetables, or pasta

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Butterfly the Chicken Breasts:

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay the chicken breasts flat on a cutting board, and using a sharp knife, carefully cut a slit horizontally into the thickest side of each chicken breast to create a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through—just enough to stuff the filling inside.

2. Season the Chicken:

Season both the outside and the inside of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This adds flavor to the chicken itself and complements the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Caprese Stuffing

1. Slice the Mozzarella and Tomatoes:

If you’re using fresh mozzarella, slice it thinly, or if you prefer shredded mozzarella, measure out about 1 cup. For the tomatoes, if you’re using sun-dried tomatoes, chop them into smaller pieces. If using fresh tomatoes, slice them thinly and remove any excess liquid to avoid a soggy filling.

2. Layer the Stuffing:

Stuff each chicken breast pocket with mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes), and fresh basil leaves. Make sure the stuffing is evenly distributed inside each breast to ensure every bite is flavorful.

3. Secure the Chicken:

Once stuffed, use toothpicks to close the slit and keep the filling from falling out while cooking. Be sure to remove the toothpicks before serving!

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat the Olive Oil:

In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the stuffed chicken breasts to the pan.

2. Sear the Chicken:

Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it develops a golden-brown crust. You’re not cooking the chicken fully at this stage, just getting a nice crispy exterior. This will lock in the juices and give the chicken a flavorful, caramelized outside.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

1. Transfer to the Oven:

Once the chicken breasts are seared, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, simply transfer the chicken to a baking dish.

2. Bake the Chicken:

Bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If you want the cheese to bubble and brown, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.

Step 5: Make the Balsamic Glaze

1. Simmer the Balsamic Vinegar:

While the chicken is baking, prepare the balsamic glaze. In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar and 2 teaspoons honey. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.

2. Reduce to a Glaze:

Let the balsamic vinegar simmer for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reduces by half and thickens into a syrupy consistency. Be careful not to let it burn. Once reduced, set it aside to cool slightly.

Step 6: Serve the Caprese Stuffed Chicken

1. Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze:

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the chicken for a tangy, sweet finish that complements the creamy mozzarella and tomatoes.

2. Garnish and Serve:

Garnish the chicken with additional fresh basil and cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the Caprese Stuffed Chicken with your favorite side dish, such as a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or pasta.

Optional Side Dishes:

• Roasted Vegetables: Serve the chicken alongside roasted asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini for a light and healthy meal.
• Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the stuffed chicken.
• Garlic Bread: For a heartier option, serve the chicken with warm garlic bread or a side of crusty French bread to soak up the balsamic glaze.
• Pasta: For a more indulgent meal, pair the chicken with a simple pasta dish, such as spaghetti tossed in olive oil and garlic.

How to Serve

• As a Main Course: Serve Caprese Stuffed Chicken as the main course of a family dinner or a special occasion. Its beautiful presentation and bold flavors make it perfect for dinner parties, holiday meals, or romantic dinners.
• For Meal Prep: This dish also works well for meal prep! Make a batch of Caprese Stuffed Chicken at the beginning of the week and store the leftovers in an airtight container. You can reheat the chicken for a quick and easy lunch or dinner throughout the week.
• As a Low-Carb Option: For those following a low-carb or keto diet, this dish is a great option. Serve the stuffed chicken with roasted vegetables or a leafy green salad to keep the meal light and healthy.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Choose the Right Chicken Breasts: Look for chicken breasts that are large enough to stuff but not too thick. You want to be able to create a pocket in the chicken without cutting all the way through.
2. Don’t Overstuff the Chicken: While it’s tempting to pack as much mozzarella and basil into the chicken as possible, be careful not to overstuff, as this can cause the filling to spill out during cooking.
3. Use Fresh Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella is ideal for this recipe because it melts beautifully and has a mild, creamy flavor. However, if you prefer shredded mozzarella, it will work just as well.
4. Sear the Chicken for Flavor: Searing the chicken before baking gives it a delicious golden-brown crust and locks in the juices, keeping the chicken tender and flavorful.
5. Let the Chicken Rest: After baking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into it. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the chicken moist.

Recipe Variations

This Caprese Stuffed Chicken recipe is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and preferences. Here are a few variations to try:

1. Grilled Caprese Stuffed Chicken:

Instead of baking the chicken, you can grill it for a smoky flavor. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grill the stuffed chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve.

2. Caprese Chicken Roll-Ups:

For a fun twist, pound the chicken breasts thin, layer the mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil on top, then roll the chicken up and secure with toothpicks. Sear and bake as directed for a beautiful rolled presentation.

3. Caprese Stuffed Chicken Thighs:

If you prefer dark meat, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. The thighs will stay juicy and flavorful, and the recipe will remain just as delicious.

4. Spinach and Artichoke Caprese Chicken:

Add a handful of fresh spinach and chopped artichokes to the mozzarella and tomato filling for a Mediterranean twist on this classic dish.

5. Caprese-Stuffed Chicken with Prosciutto:

Wrap the stuffed chicken breasts in slices of prosciutto before searing and baking for an extra layer of flavor and a crispy, salty finish.

6. Caprese Stuffed Chicken Parmesan:

After stuffing the chicken, dip it in egg wash, then coat it with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Bake until golden and crispy, then drizzle with marinara sauce and balsamic glaze for an Italian-inspired dish.

Freezing and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

Store any leftover Caprese Stuffed Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Freezing:

To freeze, allow the stuffed chicken to cool completely, then wrap each breast tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Special Equipment

• Oven-Safe Skillet or Baking Dish: You’ll need a skillet that can go from stovetop to oven for this recipe, or you can transfer the chicken to a baking dish if your skillet isn’t oven-safe.
• Toothpicks: Toothpicks help secure the filling inside the chicken while it cooks, so make sure you have a few on hand.
• Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is essential for cutting a clean pocket into the chicken breasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the stuffed chicken ahead of time by stuffing and seasoning the chicken breasts, then storing them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. When you’re ready to cook, simply sear and bake as directed.

2. Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

While fresh basil provides the best flavor and texture, you can use dried basil if necessary. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil in the filling in place of the fresh basil.

3. How do I prevent the cheese from oozing out?

To prevent the cheese from oozing out, make sure to secure the chicken with toothpicks after stuffing. You can also avoid overstuffing the chicken, which can cause the filling to spill out.

4. Can I use store-bought balsamic glaze?

Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought balsamic glaze in place of making your own. Look for a glaze that’s thick and syrupy for the best results.

5. Can I make this recipe with bone-in chicken?

While this recipe works best with boneless chicken breasts, you can use bone-in chicken if you prefer. Just note that the cooking time will be longer, and it may be more difficult to stuff the chicken.

Conclusion

Caprese Stuffed Chicken is a show-stopping dish that’s packed with fresh flavors and perfect for any occasion. With its juicy chicken, melty mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and fragrant basil, all topped with a tangy balsamic glaze, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering, it’s a recipe that will impress both in taste and presentation.

I hope you enjoy making and serving this delicious Caprese Stuffed Chicken as much as I do! It’s an easy yet elegant dish that’s full of flavor and perfect for bringing a taste of Italy to your table.

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